Applying to an ERC grant: signs that it is not (yet) the right time

In recent years, I have met many brilliant, motivated researchers who are full of ideas and ambition. Many of them felt almost obliged to apply for an ERC Starting Grant, as if it were a necessary step to be considered “serious”. And it is understandable: ERC calls are prestigious, well-funded, and often transformative for careers.

But there is one aspect that is rarely discussed with sufficient clarity:

Not every researcher has to apply for an ERC grant. And, more importantly: Not every idea is suitable for an ERC proposal.

In this article, I want to share some thoughts based on my direct experience with evaluations, individual coaching, and training courses. The goal is not to discourage, but to offer a clearer perspective — and perhaps, for some, a liberating one.

The ERC dream (and the hidden assumptions behind it)

Over the past few years, I've reviewed dozens of ERC drafts and coached many candidates. I’ve also taught in training courses where I often hear versions of this sentence:

If I don’t write an ERC grant, what shall I do?

It sounds innocent enough—but underneath, it reveals a mindset that’s surprisingly common and potentially damaging:

• That the ERC is the default path for a serious researcher.
• That “success” means winning that grant.
• That applying—even when unprepared—is somehow better than not applying at all.

In reality, the ERC is not the only route to independence. Nor is it suitable for every CV, idea, or research trajectory.

Misalignment of profile and idea

One of the key challenges faced by researchers considering applying for ERC grants is the misalignment between their profile and the proposed research idea. The ERC places a strong emphasis on groundbreaking research proposals, often requiring a level of expertise, innovation, and track record that may be beyond the reach of many early-career researchers. It is crucial for applicants to carefully assess whether their research profile and idea truly align with the expectations and criteria set forth by the ERC.

A reality check: What ERC really looks for

A few weeks ago, I reviewed the profiles of 14 candidates for my coaching programme. Of these:

• 9 were planning to apply for an ERC Starting Grant.
• Only 3 had a profile that matched the expected standards of independence, recognition, and creativity.
• Only 2 had ideas that could be considered frontier or groundbreaking.
• Just 1 had both the profile and the idea to be a strong ERC candidate.

These numbers are not unusual. They mirror what I’ve seen over and over again, across disciplines and institutions.

It’s not that the other researchers weren’t talented or dedicated. Most of them had solid CVs and meaningful projects. But did they meet the ERC bar? No

Common misunderstandings

Here are a few ERC concepts that many researchers misinterpret:

• Frontier research doesn’t mean “applied” or “socially relevant”—it means conceptually bold, risky, and curiosity-driven.
• Groundbreaking doesn’t mean “well designed” or “useful”—it means unexpected, theory-shifting, and not the next logical step.
• Independence isn’t just about being out of your PhD—it means showing that you’ve carved your own research line, beyond your former supervisor’s influence.
• Potential for leadership isn’t about administrative titles—it’s about shaping a research field, influencing others, and being recognised for it.

Why writing an ERC “just because” is a bad idea

Here’s what happens when a researcher applies for an ERC without being ready:

• They spend months writing a proposal that will not be compliant and competitive
• They burn out, especially if they’re writing alone, without proper support.
• They receive a harsh evaluation that damages their confidence.
• They miss other opportunities that would have been a better fit, right now.

What you can do instead

While the ERC grants undoubtedly hold significant prestige and funding potential, it is essential for researchers to recognize that they are not the sole funding avenue available.

If you’re not ready for the ERC (yet), that’s not a failure—it’s clarity.

Here’s what you might do instead:

• Apply for an MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship to grow your international experience.
• Win national or foundation-level funding that helps you build your CV and scientific independence.
• Use your time to explore, publish solo, and develop a clear, ambitious research line.
• Join a Horizon Europe consortium and start building your project management and proposal-writing skills.

And when the time is right, you will come back to the ERC with a strong foundation—and a truly competitive proposal.

Apply when you are ready – not just because it’s there

You don’t have to write an ERC grant. Not now, not ever – unless it truly fits your vision, your profile, and where you are in your career.

Applying for an ERC “just because it’s prestigious” isn’t a badge of honour. It’s a massive commitment that only pays off when you’re ready to compete at that level.

Remember: you’re not less of a researcher if you don’t apply this year – or ever.

Success isn’t about ticking the ERC box. It’s about choosing the right opportunities for your growth, your independence, and your impact.

If you’re wondering whether the ERC is right for you let’s talk. There is a path forward that’s both realistic and ambitious, and it doesn’t start with forcing yourself into a grant that doesn’t fit.

Image by Einar Storsul on Unsplash